Is it OK to ride with bad struts?
As a car owner, you may have heard the term "struts" thrown around during maintenance discussions, but what exactly are they, and why are they important? Struts play a crucial role in your vehicle's suspension system, affecting ride quality, handling, and safety. In this article, we will explore the implications of driving with bad struts and what you should consider if you suspect your vehicle may be experiencing strut issues.
Understanding Struts and Their Function
Struts are a vital component of your vehicle's suspension system. They serve multiple purposes, including:
- Supporting the weight of the vehicle: Struts help bear the load of the car, ensuring stability and balance.
- Absorbing shocks: They dampen the impact from bumps and potholes, providing a smoother ride.
- Maintaining wheel alignment: Struts help keep the wheels in proper alignment, which is essential for safe handling.
Signs of Bad Struts
Recognizing the signs of bad struts is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's performance and safety. Common symptoms include:
- Excessive bouncing: If your car bounces excessively after hitting a bump, it may indicate worn struts.
- Uneven tire wear: Bad struts can lead to uneven tire wear, which can affect traction and handling.
- Poor handling: If your vehicle feels unstable or sways during turns, it could be a sign of strut failure.
- Fluid leaks: Look for any signs of oil leaking from the struts, which indicates they may need replacement.
Is It Safe to Drive with Bad Struts?
While it may be tempting to ignore the signs of bad struts, doing so can lead to serious safety concerns. Here are some reasons why driving with bad struts is not advisable:
- Increased stopping distance: Worn struts can affect your vehicle's braking performance, leading to longer stopping distances.
- Reduced traction: Bad struts can compromise your vehicle's grip on the road, especially in adverse weather conditions.
- Potential for further damage: Ignoring strut issues can lead to additional wear on other suspension components, resulting in more costly repairs.
What to Do If You Suspect Bad Struts
If you suspect that your vehicle has bad struts, it is essential to take action promptly. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Get a professional inspection: Visit a trusted auto service provider to have your struts and suspension system evaluated.
- Consider replacement: If your struts are indeed worn, replacing them can restore your vehicle's handling and safety.
- Regular maintenance: Keep up with regular vehicle maintenance to catch potential issues early and ensure your car remains in top condition.
Conclusion
In summary, riding with bad struts is not safe and can lead to a host of problems, including compromised handling and increased risk of accidents. If you notice any signs of strut failure, it’s crucial to seek professional help to ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable on the road. At Kevin's Autos, we are here to assist you with all your auto service needs, ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive long distance with a bad suspension?
Type of Damage: If the suspension is only slightly damaged, you might be able to drive a short distance (a few miles) to get to a repair shop. However, if the damage is severe, such as a broken strut or control arm, it may be unsafe to drive at all.
What does a failing strut sound like?
You'll often hear clunking or knocking sounds when bad struts react to bumps. This is one of the most common strut noises indicating your suspension system needs attention.
How to tell if struts are bad while driving?
Symptoms of Worn Shocks & Struts
- Nose dive when braking.
- Bouncy ride.
- Vehicle rolls or sways when cornering.
- Uneven tire wear.
- Rear squat during acceleration.
- Vibration in steering wheel.
- Unusual noises.
- Leaking fluid on exterior of shocks/struts.
What happens if you don't replace the struts on your car?
By not doing it's job – absorbing the shock – not having them replaced can lead to damage in the ball joints, wheel hubs, and many other components of the suspension. Without something to absorb the shock and energy of hitting a bump, it spreads throughout your car and will lead to damage.
How long can I drive with a bad strut?
If you are experiencing the symptoms of broken shocks/struts, you should bring your car to a professional as soon as possible to have the components replaced. The car will continue to operate though, and it will be safe to drive to a close repair shop at low speeds with slow cornering and lane changes.
Is it worth it to fix struts?
A Gradual Deterioration of Struts and Shocks
A passenger riding in the vehicle for the first time may even comment on the “ride” that seems normal to the driver. But, regardless of how it may feel to you, worn struts and shocks will cause a change in tire wear and vehicle handling that should not go unaddressed.
What happens if you ride on bad struts?
In summary, driving with a bad strut is not safe and can lead to various risks, including loss of control, reduced braking efficiency, tire wear, and increased wear on other suspension parts. It is recommended to have the strut repaired as soon as possible to ensure the safety and performance of your vehicle. 2.
How much does it cost to get struts replaced?
between $450 and $1,100
Shocks and struts replacement costs somewhere between $450 and $1,100. It's possible to remove just the shocks or the struts, but it may produce mixed results performance-wise. Common symptoms of failing shocks and struts include knocking sounds, bumpy rides, cupped tire wear pattern, and more.
How many miles can you get out of struts?
50,000-100,000 miles
Generally, shocks and struts wear out every 50,000-100,000 miles. If you're a more aggressive driver and/or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster. Shocks and struts don't go out all at once; they deteriorate slowly over time.
How much does it cost to replace a strut?
Shocks and struts replacement costs somewhere between $450 and $1,100. It's possible to remove just the shocks or the struts, but it may produce mixed results performance-wise. Common symptoms of failing shocks and struts include knocking sounds, bumpy rides, cupped tire wear pattern, and more.
